Jewellery Worn by Vhakkal (The GSB Konkani Bride)

The Gaud Saraswat Brahmin’s are a community spread across the Konkan coast of Western India with roots in Goa. They migrated to other parts of coastal Southern India when faced with religious persecution from invading foreigners. Though they are highly disbursed community spread across multiple states in India, like all Hindus, they have taken great efforts to sustain their culture. 

Jewellery is the breathtaking manifestation of a culture’s roots and heritage. Through this blog, let us explore the GSB Konkani Bridal jewellery and understand aspects unique to this jeweleery and things it has in common with jewellery of other cultures and communities.

Necklaces

Dharemani

One unique aspect of GSB jewellery is that the bride wears two “Mangalsutras” (necklace that serves as one of the visual markers of a married woman). The first is ‘Dharemani’ and the other is ‘Kashi thali’.

The Dharemani is a gold chain consisting of black and gold beads with the cylindrical gold charm called ‘thali’ at its center flanked by a coral bead on either side. It is gifted to the bride by her family.

Kashi Thali

The Kashi thali consists of gold beads and beautifully polished coral alternating in an attractive pattern with a square-shaped charm at its centre and black beads at either end of the chain.  Its design is unique to the GSB community.

GSB Galsari/ Pavan necklace

The Kashi thali consists of gold beads and beautifully polished coral alternating in an attractive pattern with a square-shaped charm at its centre and black beads at either end of the chain.  Its design is unique to the GSB community.

GSB Kempa Addige Necklace

The traditional GSB Kempa Addige necklace has brightly coloured gemstones in gold sockets with a larger gemstone serving as the central pendant.

Traditional GSB Pavan necklace

This is a traditional coin-based necklace consisting of a gold chain (with a thread fastening) and gold coins.

Jewelry for Arms

Vaki (Bajubandh)

The Vaki (Bajubandh) is an armlet crafted from pure gold with ornate Indian designs and motifs. It is traditionally embellished with precious gemstones.

Pichodi
These are gold bangles with a delicate crown-like design that add sparkle to the bride’s forearms.

Coin Bangles

The gold bangles are bedecked with coins with auspicious symbols of Hindu deities or symbols.

Patli
Utterly simple and minimalistic in design, the ‘Patli’ are lightweight gold bangles meant for regular use.

Piddukachi Kankna

Piddukachi Kankna are a pair of lightweight bangles consisting of black beads and golden beads.

Hair Jewelry

Ambada Aati

An ornate bun pin snugly fit onto the bride’s bun for keeping the bun in place, the Ambada Aati is usually fashioned out of gold and studded with pearls or colourful gems.

Aati (Maangtikka)

A traditional Konkani Maangtikka comprises a dainty and elegant chains covering the centre partition of the hair (maang) and her frontal hairline. It has a beautiful pendant charm (tikka) dangling at the centre of the bride’s forehead.

Moggina Jade

Moggina jade" means long braid decorated with flowers. "Moggu" / “Phool” means flower buds and "Jade" means braid. The GSB Vhakkal’s braided hair is decorated with jasmine, rose petals, and optionally plait ornaments. So heavily is her braid covered in flowers and ornate pins that her hair with the braid is barely visible.

Ear Accessories

Vel
This piece of a jewellery consisting of embellished chains that are hooked to the earrings and extend to the hair.

Earrings
Our beautiful bride is wearing “Jhimki” earrings. Mirroring the shape of a dome, the Jhimki is a versatile ornament worn by many Indian brides. Its design usually consists of dainty floral motifs and dangling beads that sway with every move.

Nose Ornaments

Konkani brides may opt for a simple nose stud or a ‘Nathini’ that is an elaborate nose ring embellished with precious stones. 

Jewelry for feet

Payal (Anklets)

How can a Hindu bride’s get up ever be complete without anklets? The Konkani Vhakkal too wears anklets of silver set in a fairly elegant design.

Vedi (Toe rings)

The Vedi are a pair of silver toe rings that signify the woman’s marital status and are to be worn on a daily basis. The bride dons them for the first time on her toes during the marriage rituals.

Bindi

The Vhakkal wears a half moon bindi while commencing the marriage rituals. Once the marriage rituals are completed, the mother of the bride will initiate the ‘Sharage Ghalchain’ ritual where she replaces this half-moon bindi of the bride with a full moon bindi as a marker of bride’s now married status. 

Chandan Bindi

The Chandan bindi consists of dots made of Chandan and Kumkum over the eyebrows. These dots flank the half moon bindi representing the night sky of moon and stars.

Waist Jewelry

The waist belt (Kamarbandh) worn by the Vhakkal over her waistline is a broad belt with ornate temple jewellery designs.